Talking Recruiting: Mike Yancich

After being named first-team defense at the Scout.com combine and linebackers MVP at the Nike Training Camp, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Yancich now claims nearly 30 scholarship offers. Because of his late-bloomer status, Yancich has approached recruiting with an open mind.

Now that Sweat has verbally committed to Ohio State, Yancich is adjusting to being the center of attention.

“It’s awkward because I wasn’t used to that feeling,” Yancich said. “I was always ‘Andrew Sweat’s teammate.’ Nothing against Andrew – he’s a fantastic athlete and a great teammate.”

“Penn State came out of nowhere,” Yancich said. “I never thought they would offer me. That changes everything around. You have to re-evaluate everything.”

Penn State’s Linebacker U. reputation should help its cause. So, too, should the Nittany Lions’ ability to develop WPIAL linebackers, from Brian Gelzheiser to Brandon Short to LaVar Arrington to Paul Posluszny to Sean Lee.

What Yancich has to be wary of is that Penn State didn’t offer him until it had been eliminated from consideration by Sweat.

Yancich, for one, points out that West Virginia was the only school that offered him without entering the Sweat sweepstakes.

After Sweat announced his choice Thursday at Hillers Stadium, Yancich flipped open his cell phone and found seven new text messages. Pitt, Penn State, UConn and West Virginia coaches had contacted him and he’s now become a prime target.

Although Michigan State and Iowa are still in the mix, it’s fair to say that Yancich will likely choose from Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia. With the spotlight shining on Yancich for the first time, we’ll see if he breaks a sweat.